Impact & Sustainability
Learn about the positive environmental impact of reducing peat-based soil.
Healthy Plants, Healthy Planet
PittMoss is proud to announce in 2020 our upcycled soil products prevented 81,111 cubic feet of peat moss from being extracted, which equates to the reduction of 811.11 metric tons of CO2 emissions.
How does a savings of 811.11 metric tons of CO2 emissions equate to other referenceable items? Here’s a few examples:
-
- 2,012,680 miles by one passenger vehicle driven
- 893,732 pounds of coal burned
- 91,269 gallons of gasoline consumed
- 33,158 propane cylinders used
- 276 tons of waste recycled instead of landfilled
Why Peat-Free Matters
A typical bag of potting soil’s main ingredient is peat moss. Peat is harvested from peatlands, which are considered the world’s largest terrestrial organic carbon stock. When drained, they release both carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide. Draining a peat bog the size of a football field releases as much carbon dioxide as driving a car three times around the planet! Peatlands are also important and fragile ecosystems — hubs for rich bio-diversity and extremely important for our fresh water supplies globally.
Reduces the Need for Watering
The EPA reports that water managers in 40 of 50 states expect water shortages in the next 10 years. PittMoss can help. It’s made with a unique engineered fiber that has superior water-holding qualities. Its physical properties stop the water from running off, and instead, store the water to release it back to the plant when needed. Not only does it increase the time between watering, it also manages the water more efficiently.
Reduces the Need for Chemicals
PittMoss is a revolutionary product designed as a plant growing substrate that practices a more, responsible use of our natural resources. It has no toxic components; and its unique properties reduce reliance on surfactants, fertilizers, and other chemical additives. It also doesn’t contain any seeds, insects, wetting agents, or other impurities.
Grower Testimonial:
We used less fertilizer and water finishing the crop. Shelf life for the customer and end consumer was also improved as less water was needed. — Vic Frey, General Manager, Kurt Weiss Greenhouses of Danville, PA
Keeps Material Out of the Landfill
PittMoss is made from engineered up-cycled cellulosic fibers, like newspaper, that would ordinarily end up in a landfill, and specifically engineered to provide optimal management of applied resources, like water. It also has an incredible wettability, water retention, and availability. This makes for better use of resources by storing and delivering it to your plants as they need it, and reducing runoff.
Reduces Runoff and Ground Water Pollution
PittMoss holds onto any applied inputs. Similar to its ability to retain water, it reduces the amount of leaching that would typically occur, and reduces both phosphorous and nitrogen runoff. It will avoid using 97,500 metric tons of carbon dioxide; 195 million gallons of water; 2.9 million grams of nitrogen; and 780,000 grams of phosphorous.
You can grow a better way
Make sure your garden is sustainable this year. Grow peat-free and organically this spring!